Psillakis named CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea
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Dimitris Psillakis
By Park Jin-hai
Mercedes-Benz Korea appointed Dimitris Psillakis, 49, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Brazil, as the company’s new CEO.
He will take up the position on Sept. 1.
The group has made the decision in order to approach the Korean market more strategically as it becomes more and more important globally, it said.
“I am very delighted to join the successful team at Mercedes-Benz Korea and eager to contribute with my experience from other fast-growing markets in further developing the Mercedes-Benz brand in Korea,” Psillakis said.
“Furthermore, I am excited to move to Seoul and learn the rich Korean culture and language to better understand the local customers,” he added.
The newly appointed CEO started his professional career as product manager at Omega Technologies in London in 1989.
He joined the group in 1992 at Mercedes-Benz Greece, and has built his career in sales and marketing, both in the passenger and commercial vehicles sectors.
Under his leadership, he successfully reinforced the Mercedes-Benz brand image in the premium car segment in Brazil, doubling sales in two years.
One of his major achievements includes the redesign and extension of the dealer network, reaching 60 full dealers with a focus on quality standards and profitability.
He also developed a growth plan to quadruple its sales in the country until 2020.
Meanwhile, outgoing CEO Britta Seeger will take the helm of the company’s Turk commercial vehicle segment.
Also, Seeger will double as the Daimler Group’s representative in Turkey, the No. 3 commercial vehicle market for Mercedes-Benz.
“Korea is a very dynamic and exciting market. I hope Mercedes-Benz Korea continues to strive as the market leader in Korea,” said Seeger said.
During her tenure, Mercedes-Benz Korea entered the Top 10 global markets of Mercedes-Benz, from 14th place in 2013. She officially launched its corporate social responsibility program, called Mercedes-Benz Promise, and has been credited as greatly improved the company’s relationship with its dealers.